Public transport use rises as Malaysians adjust to energy crisis, says minister

 Economy minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir says signs of lifestyle change are emerging, with rail and bus passenger numbers rising sharply in April.

The average number of rail passengers rose to 1,085,580 per day in April 2026, up 7.6% from March, while average daily bus passengers climbed 10.3% to 227,448.

PETALING JAYA:

Rail and bus ridership surged in April as Malaysians began adjusting their daily habits in response to the global energy crisis, economy minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir said.

Akmal said the average number of rail passengers rose by 7.6% to 1,085,580 per day, while the average number of bus passengers climbed 10.3% to 227,448 per day.

“This development shows that some of us are starting to adjust mobility patterns and daily spending to more cost-effective options.

“In the context of uncertain global costs, small changes like this are important to reduce the burden on households,” he said in his daily briefing on the global energy crisis.

As for electricity consumption, the average maximum demand for the week of May 4 to 10 edged up 1.4% to 20,097MW from 19,815MW the previous week.

This minor hike indicates that electricity usage remains under control, even during unpredictable weather, said the minister.

On food prices, Akmal said movements remained within a controlled range from the May 4 to May 6 period, though some items recorded increases.

Mackerel rose 3.9% to RM17.42 per kg, white prawns edged up 1.2% to RM32.11 per kg, mustard greens increased 4% to RM7.23 per kg, and fresh coconut milk rose 6.7% to RM16.88 per kg.

Beef, however, fell 1.4% to RM35.88 per kg, while standard chicken remained almost unchanged at around RM9.50 to RM9.51 per kg.

Despite this, Akmal said the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) had expressed concern that certain groups, especially in rural areas, were starting to feel the impact from the cost pressures.

“Therefore, MTEN agrees that the chief secretary to the government follow up on this matter with all ministries’ chief secretaries to coordinate initiatives, efforts, and government assistance to ensure they reach the target groups, especially the poor and vulnerable,” he said. - FMT